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Tag: England

  • World Cup: England win 4-3 on penalties

    • FT: Colombia 1-1 England (3-4 on pens)
    • England win WC shoot-out for first time
    • Play Sweden in quarter-finals on Saturday
    • Kane smashes in penalty (57)
    • Mina header in injury-time (90+3)

    England have secured a place in the quarter finals after beating Colombia on penalty shoot-outs thrilling fans with thier win after a tense night in Moscow.

    Two excellent saves from Jordan Pickford blocked efforts from Uribe and Bacca saw him to end England’s record of spot kick disasters and leave the path clear for Dier to score a winning penalty for the Three Lions.

    It followed a tense match in which Yerry Mina scored against Gareth Southgate’s team at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow, during injury time after a goalless first half.

    England fans had been relieved when Kane netted his sixth goal and his third from the penalty spot in the 58th minute after he was wrestled to the ground by Carol Sanchez.

    It came after Colombia faced defender Santiago Arias being booked early in the second half for raging into the England captain.

    Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford has been brought on for England as the possibility of a penalty shoot-out to decide the game looms ever closer.

    The Goals

    FT: COLOMBIA 1-1 ENGLAND

    Wow. What an end to that game.

    Quite how England aren’t celebrating right now, I have no idea.

    It all came from Uribe’s quite unbelievable half volley from 30 yards. It looked to be heading in but for Pickford’s fingertip save, and from the resulting corner, disaster struck.

    Maguire has been unbeatable at the back for 93 minutes, but Mina rose above him, and saw his header come off the pitch and squeeze above Trippier. Could the Spurs man have done better? Perhaps.

    GOAL! COLOMBIA 1-1 ENGLAND (Mina 90+3)

    I don’t believe it.

    Gareth Southgate is calling for calm here. What else can he do? This is heartbreak for England.

    Cuadrado’s corner comes in after Pickford’s save, and Mina rises so high above Maguire. He heads it down to the ground, and Trippier on the line can’t jump high enough to stop it creeping under the crossbar!

    It looks like we’ll have extra-time.

    expanded thumbnail

     

    GOAL! COLOMBIA 0-1 ENGLAND (Kane pen, 57)

    No mistake! Kane goes down the middle as Ospina goes right!!

    Kane had to wait over three minutes to take that, and he looked so calm!

     

    England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire; Trippier, Henderson, Alli, Young; Lingard, Sterling; Kane.

    Colombia XI: Ospina, Arias, Davinson Sanchez, Mina, Mojica, Sanchez, Barrios, Cuadrado, Quintero, Lerma, Falcao.

     

    Preview

    England face Colombia in the last 16 of the 2018 World Cup at Moscow’s Spartak Stadium.

    Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate made sweeping changes to his side for the final group match against Belgium.

    And the gamble looks to have paid off as England find themselves on the ‘right side of the draw,’ avoiding Brazil, Belgium and France until the final.

    Victory over Colombia would leave England facing a quarter-final against Sweden or Switzerland.Colombia boast a variety of threats – including Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez, Davinson Sanchez and Juan Cuadrado.

    OPTA STATS

    • England are unbeaten against Colombia, having faced them five times previously (W3 D2). Their last encounter dates back to May 2005 in New Jersey. England won 3-2 thanks to a Michael Owen hat-trick
    • England beat Colombia in their only previous World Cup encounter thanks to goals from Darren Anderton and David Beckham (2-0), it was in the group stages of the 1998 tournament. Current England boss Gareth Southgate was an unused sub that night
    • Colombia have reached the knockout stages of the World Cup for the third time but it’s the first time they have accomplished it in consecutive tournaments (1990, 2014, 2018). The only previous occasion they’ve gone past the round of 16 was in 2014

  • England march into last 16 after thrashing Panama 6-1

    Harry Kane struck a hat-trick as England marched into the last 16 of the World Cup after a record 6-1 win over a woeful Panama in their World Cup Group G match on Sunday.

    The result, a record win for England in a World Cup finals match, means England qualify for the knockout stage with a game to spare, along with Belgium who also have six points.

    Tournament debutants Panama are eliminated along with Tunisia.

    England was 5-0 up at halftime after taking full advantage of a poor Panamanian defence.

    A header from a corner by John Stones, a penalty from Kane and a beautiful strike from the edge of the box by Jesse Lingard set them on their way.

    A Stones header from a well-worked free-kick routine and a second Kane penalty gave them a 5-0 lead going into the break.

    The England captain, now the tournament’s top scorer with five goals, completed his hat-trick when a shot from Ruben Loftus-Cheek deflected in off the Tottenham forward in the 62nd minute.

    Kane became just the third England player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup game following Geoff Hurst in 1966 final and Gary Lineker against Poland in the 1986 tournament.

    Panama pulled a goal back in the 78th minute through Felipe Baloy, the Central American nation’s first goal at a World Cup. (Reuters/NAN)

  • Tunisia 1-2 England: Harry Kane to the rescue!

    • England started the game brightly with Jesse Lingard and Raheem Sterling missing glorious chances
    • But it didn’t take too long to open the scoring as captain Harry Kane headed home after just 11 minutes
    • Kyle Walker then got in a tangle with Fakhreddine Ben Youssef and a penalty was awarded to Tunisia
    • Ferjan Sassi then stepped up and slotted it to the right of Jordan Pickford, who got his fingertips to it
    • England piled the pressure on with some brilliant opportunities for Lingard before half time, but to no avail
    • It was left to Kane, this time in injury time, to head home from close range and take the spoils for England

    Speaking  after the match England striker Harry Kane, said England deserves the victory over the resilient Tunisian side.

    He said, “I thought we played very well. There are always a bit of nerves, a bit of excitement, but we got into the game very quickly, it went to 1-1 and the momentum changed a bit. It is always in the back of your mind that it is not going to be your day but that is why you work for 90+ minutes.

    “We wanted to create chances and we did that. We could’ve scored two or three goals and put the game to bed. I’m really pleased with how we played.

    “Maybe a bit disappointed (to not get a penalty and for England to concede one) on the pitch their penalty looked quite soft. That is what VAR is there for. At a few corners I couldn’t move. We just have to hope the officials get it right. If they don’t think it is a penalty we have to deal with it.

    “We are proud of each other and in a World Cup you are not sure how it is going to go, but we have a great togetherness and are always proud to see it come off in the game. We never panicked, never looked like conceding another one and got what we deserved in the end.

    “We got told there would be a lot of flies and when we went out for the match it was a lot more than we though. We all had bug spray on and it was important as some of them went in your eyes, some in your mouth but it is about dealing with what comes your way.”

    In the view of Tunisia coach Nabil Maaloul the risks came from set pieces.

    He said, “When you have very tall players it is very difficult to counter them. They were much better than us when it came to those high balls.

    “Harry Kane is one of the best attackers in the Premier League and that is why he is highly sought after by the highest clubs. I think he was behind the victory of the English team, it was him who was always at the right time and he is the optimum scorer.”

    On his defenders holding Harry Kane when corners were being taken: “I have not seen those possible penalties, maybe if I go back and look at the match I can see what fouls were committed.”

  • Kane gets huge boost ahead World Cup

     

    England captain Harry Kane has been handed a huge boost ahead of the world cup after signing a new six year contract with Tottenham.

    The contract will see Kane who was recently charged with the responsibility of leading England to the World Cup in Russia, remain with Spurs till 2024. Kane has so far enjoyed smooth sail in his role as Three Lions captain, scored the second goal against Super Eagles in a friendly match at the Wembley last week.

    Kane has established himself as one of the Premier League’s elite players in recent seasons after coming through the ranks at Spurs and he has been rewarded for his fine form.

    The England striker scored 30 goals in 37 league appearances in the season just finished, making it his best individual campaign in the division after surpassing his haul of 29 from 2016-17.

    Prior to signing the new deal Kane had been linked with a move away from Spurs, predominantly to Manchester United and Real Madrid, but supporters can now breathe a sigh of relief as worry days are over.

    The 24-year-old has been named in the Professional Footballers’ Association’s (PFA) Premier League Team of the Year in each of the last four seasons and instantly boosts Spurs’ chances of once again securing Champions League football next term.

    The announcement comes at a particularly important time for Spurs, who are due to move into their new stadium at White Hart Lane next season.

    Kane follows Coach Mauricio Pochettino in signing a new long-term deal in the past month, with the Argentinian’s extension seemingly coming just in time to put Real Madrid off an approach in the wake of Zinedine Zidane’s resignation.

    Spurs announced the deal in a video on Twitter, as the camera focused on the big screen at Spurs’ new stadium before revealing a picture of Kane next to the “2024, new contract” caption. Kane is expected to play a starring role for Gareth Southgate’s men at the World Cup.

     

  • England player tells family to miss World Cup over racism fears

    England defender Danny Rose has told his family not to attend the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals because he fears they may be racially abused in Russia.

    “I’ve told my family I don’t want them going out there because of racism and anything else that may ­happen,” the 27-year-old left back told London’s Evening Standard on Wednesday.

    “I don’t want to be worrying, when I’m trying to prepare for games, for my family’s safety. If anything ­happens to me, it wouldn’t affect me like it would if my family had been abused.”

    Rose, who suffered personal racial abuse when he played for England’s under-21s in Serbia in 2012, added: “I’m fine with whatever may or may not happen.

    “I like to think I’ll be able to deal with it in the right way.”

    Russia has pledged to crack down on racism at the tournament, which runs from June 14 to July 15.

    However, cases of racist abuse have continued to be reported in the country in the run-up to the World Cup.

    The country was fined last month after racist abuse was directed at French players during a friendly in March.

    FIFA fined Russia 30,000 Swiss francs ( $30,400/22,650 pounds ) for that incident in St Petersburg, which is one of the 11 host cities for the World Cup.

    Rose said the sanction was nowhere near enough to have the desired impact.

    “A 22,000 pounds fine is disgusting,” he said. “What do ( FIFA ) expect?

    “I don’t want to sound arrogant but if I’d been fined 22,000 pounds, without sounding big-headed, it wouldn’t make a difference. A country being fined 22,000 pounds is just laughable.”

    Read Also: Four Lessons from England, Nigeria Friendly

    Rose, who will be appearing at his first World Cup, said his families were disappointed by his decision to ask them not to attend.

    “My dad’s really upset. He said he may never get a chance again to come and watch me in a World Cup,” he said.

    “It’s really sad. Somehow Russia got the World Cup and we have to get on with it.”

    Rose is the latest player to voice concerns about racism at the World Cup.

    His fellow fullback, Ashley Young, said last week that England’s players had talked about the potential for racist abuse from spectators.

    Rose told the Standard newspaper that players had discussed walking off the pitch in such an event.

    “Until it actually happens, and under what circumstances, it’s hard to say what you’d actually do.”

    NAN

  • Rohr’s final selections will make the country proud-Izilein

    Former Super Falcons’ coach Godwin Izilein has said that Nigeria’s national team coach, Gernot Rohr picked the best players that would make the country proud at the World Cup in Russia.

    Izilein gave the assurance while speaking with the News men on Monday in Benin.

    According to him, the team has had the best of preparation and played quality friendly matches, adding that what the team needs now is prayers.

    “As for the players picked by the coach and comments over his selections, I quite commend the coach for appearing not ruffled by the comments.

    “Rohr’s critics may not see why the coach picked those he picked.

    “He knows what he wants and if he feels those he picked will give him what he wants, let’s wish him the best,” he said.

    Read Also: Upgrade Eaglets to U-20 team – Izilein

    Speaking on the Super Eagles friendly match with England, Izilein said he was not disturbed with the outcome of the game.

    The former Super Falcons tactician noted that those that spied on the Eagles tactical play would have been disappointed.

    “Our opponents came in there to pick one or two things about the eagles to prepare their team against us, but I am happy that they saw nothing.

    “They are still wondering if this is the team they will be playing against.

    “To me, I am happy about the outcome. The Eagles will surprise the world in Russia; I am very convinced that the Eagles will do well at the World Cup,” Izilein said.

    It will be recalled that Rohr on Sunday released the final names of 23 players that will represent Nigeria at the World Cup.

    NAN

  • Live Updates: England 2 – 1 Nigeria: Fans Boo Dele Alli

    Both teams could have won at Wembley after the end of the second 45 minutes but England just managed to carve out the 2-1 victory against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
    England dominated the opening 45 minutes, with Gary Cahill and Harry Kane netting the goals, before an early second half strike from Alex Iwobi made it a harder task for the hosts.

    But overall, a fairly good performance from the Super Eagles with one more warm-up match against czech republic to come on Thursday.

    Meanwhile, Nigeria fans gave Dele Alli a loud boo during the match and also gave him loud send-off boo as he was substituted for Delph in the last 10 minutes.

    The fans however gave Iheanacho a loud share as he came on for Ighalo. Chelsea’s Victor Moses made way for Leicester frontman Ahmed Musa.

    Coach Gernot Rohr made four changes, with Ebuehi, Omeruo, Ogu and Etebo on for Shehu, Balogun, Onazi and Obi.

    Harry Kane was subtituted for Danny Welbeck and Marcus Rashford came on for Raheem Sterling.

    Earlier, Jesse Lingard and Ashley Young were replaced by Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Danny Rose.

    While, Nigeria made four changes at the interval and now make a fifth.

    Chelsea’s Victor Moses makes way for Leicester frontman Ahmed Musa.

    Coach Gernot Rohr made four changes, with Ebuehi, Omeruo, Ogu and Etebo coming on for Shehu, Balogun, Onazi and Obi.

    Though England still leads but Nigeria’s game has improved since the Iwobi’s goal at the 47th minutes and the four substitutions.

    England still lead Nigeria 2-1

    Live Commentaries Below
    90+5′
    Gary Cahill from England is a contender for Man of the Match after a great performance today
    90+5′
    Both teams could have won today but England just managed to carve out the victory
    90+5′
    That’s it! The referee blows the final whistle
    90+5′
    Kyle Walker relieves the pressure with a clearance
    90+4′
    John Obi Mikel puts in a cross…
    90+4′
    Marcus Rashford from England commits a foul by elbowing William Troost-Ekong
    90+3′
    Dangerous challenge by Tyronne Ebuehi from Nigeria. Danny Rose on the receiving end of that.
    90+3′
    Danny Rose from England is ruled offside
    90+3′
    Ruben Loftus-Cheek of England passes the ball to a team mate.
    90+2′
    England is having a good opportunity to score.
    90+2′
    Gary Cahill relieves the pressure with a clearance
    90+2′
    Ahmed Musa puts in a cross…
    90+1′
    Nigeria is having a good opportunity to score.
    90+1′
    The fourth official shows there are 4 minute(s) of time to be added
    90+1′
    Safe hands from Jordan Pickford as he comes out and claims the ball
    90′
    Brian Idowu puts in a cross…
    89′
    England take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in the opponent’s half of the field
    89′
    England is having a good opportunity to score.
    88′
    Dangerous challenge by John Obi Mikel from Nigeria. Jordan Pickford on the receiving end of that.
    88′
    Tyronne Ebuehi puts in a cross…
    88′
    John Stones relieves the pressure with a clearance
    88′
    Brian Idowu puts in a cross…
    88′
    Could be a good chance here as John Obi Mikel from Nigeria cuts the opponents defense open with a through ball…
    88′
    Great skill from John Obi Mikel as he dribbles past his opponents
    88′
    Safe hands from Francis Uzoho as he comes out and claims the ball
    87′
    Ruben Loftus-Cheek sends a long ball upfield.
    87′
    Nigeria take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in their own half of the field
    87′
    Goal kick for Nigeria
    87′
    A chance presents itself to Marcus Rashford from England but his header goes wide
    86′
    Fabian Delph puts in a cross…
    86′
    England is in control of the ball.
    85′
    England is in control of the ball.
    84′
    Brian Idowu from Nigeria is ruled offside
    84′
    Nigeria is trying to create something here.
    83′
    The referee signals a free kick as Brian Idowu from Nigeria trips Kyle Walker
    82′
    England is trying to create something here.
    82′
    Goal kick for Nigeria
    82′
    Dele Alli is leaving the field to be replaced by Fabian Delph in a tactical substitution.
    81′
    Marcus Rashford fails to find the target with a shot from outside the box
    80′
    Today’s attendance is 70025
    80′
    England is trying to create something here.
    79′
    Kieran Trippier from England swings in the corner from the right.
    78′
    William Troost-Ekong clears the danger but is forced to give away a corner…
    78′
    Could be a good chance here as Eric Dier from England cuts the opponents defense open with a through ball…
    78′
    England is trying to create something here.
    77′
    Ahmed Musa is shown a yellow card by the referee
    77′
    The ref blows his whistle. Ahmed Musa charged Ruben Loftus-Cheek from behind and it’s a free-kick
    77′
    Nigeria take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in the opponent’s half of the field
    77′
    Odion Ighalo is leaving the field to be replaced by Kelechi Iheanacho in a tactical substitution.
    76′
    Nigeria take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in their own half of the field
    75′
    The match resumes with a drop ball
    75′
    Kenneth Omeruo is down injured and receives medical treatment on the field.
    74′
    Oghenekaro Etebo is down injured and receives medical treatment on the field.
    74′
    Play has been stopped because there is a player lying on the pitch.
    74′
    Brian Idowu from Nigeria directs the ball behind the defence, but the keeper reads the play well and comes to claim it
    73′
    Raheem Sterling is leaving the field to be replaced by Marcus Rashford in a tactical substitution.
    73′
    Harry Kane is leaving the field to be replaced by Danny Welbeck in a tactical substitution.
    72′
    Water break. It’s hot out there today and the game is paused so the players can take some liquids on-board.
    72′
    Dangerous challenge by Gary Cahill from England. John Obi Mikel on the receiving end of that.
    71′
    Danny Rose from England sees his pass blocked by an opponent.
    71′
    Ruben Loftus-Cheek from England directs a ball squarely in the box.
    71′
    England is in control of the ball.
    70′
    What a game. It’s an intense and good playing game from both sides.
    70′
    John Obi Mikel tries his luck from distance but his effort ends up safely in the hands of Jordan Pickford
    69′
    Ahmed Musa from Nigeria directs a ball squarely in the box, but it’s intercepted by an opponent player.
    68′
    Odion Ighalo is penalised for pushing John Stones
    68′
    England take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in their own half of the field
    68′
    Ashley Young is leaving the field to be replaced by Danny Rose in a tactical substitution.
    67′
    Jesse Lingard is leaving the field to be replaced by Ruben Loftus-Cheek in a tactical substitution.
    66′
    Tyronne Ebuehi from Nigeria crosses the ball, but it goes out for a throw-in.
    66′
    Tyronne Ebuehi from Nigeria takes the ball forward trying to make something happen…
    65′
    England is in control of the ball.
    65′
    Eric Dier relieves the pressure with a clearance
    64′
    Oghenekaro Etebo crosses the ball into the box from the free kick
    64′
    The referee signals a free kick as Kyle Walker from England trips Odion Ighalo
    64′
    Nigeria take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in the opponent’s half of the field
    63′
    Goal kick for Nigeria
    63′
    Victor Moses is leaving the field to be replaced by Ahmed Musa in a tactical substitution.
    62′
    What a miss! Eric Dier has a great opportunity to score, but sends his header wide of goal!
    62′
    Ashley Young from England swings in the corner from the left.
    62′
    Jesse Lingard from England sees his pass blocked by an opponent.
    61′
    England take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in their own half of the field
    60′
    England is trying to create something here.
    60′
    England take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in their own half of the field
    59′
    William Troost-Ekong from Nigeria tries to head the ball to a team mate, but his team mate fails to benefit from it.
    59′
    Victor Moses from Nigeria swings in the corner from the right.
    59′
    Tyronne Ebuehi from Nigeria tries to pick out a team-mate in the area but his cross is blocked by an opponent.
    58′
    Harry Kane from England tries to play a nice 1-2 with a team mate, but the keeper comes out and claims it.
    57′
    Nigeria is in control of the ball.
    56′
    Goal kick for England
    56′
    Victor Moses goes for goal, but his effort was never close to hitting the target.
    56′
    England take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in their own half of the field
    55′
    Nigeria is having a good opportunity to score.
    54′
    Nigeria is trying to create something here.
    53′
    England take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in the opponent’s half of the field
    52′
    Raheem Sterling is shown a yellow card by the referee
    52′
    Raheem Sterling throws himself to the ground, attempting to win a free-kick, but the ref is not having it
    52′
    Could be a good chance here as Jesse Lingard from England cuts the opponents defense open with a through ball…
    52′
    England is in control of the ball.
    51′
    England take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in the opponent’s half of the field
    50′
    John Stones relieves the pressure with a clearance
    50′
    William Troost-Ekong from Nigeria heads towards goal but sees his effort blocked.
    50′
    Victor Moses from Nigeria swings in the corner from the left.
    50′
    Kyle Walker clears the danger but is forced to give away a corner…
    50′
    Nigeria take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in the opponent’s half of the field
    50′
    So close! A header from Kenneth Omeruo is cleared just as it is about to cross the goal line!
    50′
    Victor Moses from Nigeria swings in the corner from the left.
    49′
    Brian Idowu from Nigeria tries to pick out a team-mate in the area but his cross is blocked by an opponent.
    48′
    Safe hands from Francis Uzoho as he comes out and claims the ball
    48′
    Kieran Trippier puts in a cross…
    47′
    G O O O A A A L – Alex Iwobi scores!
    47′
    POST! So nearly a goal by Odion Ighalo but his finish hits the post!
    47′
    Alex Iwobi puts in a cross…
    46′
    Joel Chukwuma Obi is leaving the field to be replaced by John Ogu in a tactical substitution.
    46′
    Leon Balogun is leaving the field to be replaced by Kenneth Omeruo in a tactical substitution.
    46′
    A shot by Alex Iwobi is blocked
    46′
    Nigeria take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in the opponent’s half of the field
    46′
    Abdullahi Shehu is leaving the field to be replaced by Tyronne Ebuehi in a tactical substitution.
    46′
    Ogenyi Onazi is leaving the field to be replaced by Oghenekaro Etebo in a tactical substitution.
    46′
    The second half is underway

    Ex-England winger, Chris Waddle, has written off Nigeria’s performances against England in the ongoing international friendly at Wembly Stadium.

    According to him, the Super Eagles, who are losing 0-2 at half time, are playing at below 40 per cent of their strength against the Three Lions.

    Speaking during a live commentary on BBC Radio, Waddle said: “Super Eagles Coach Gernot Rohr, will be very disappointed in what he has seen so far. Nigeria are playing at 30-40%.”

    Live Commentary below

    45+1′
    England take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in the opponent’s half of the field
    45+1′
    The fourth official shows there are 1 minute(s) of time to be added
    45′
    Good effort by Victor Moses as he directs a shot on target, but the keeper saves it
    45′
    A shot by Alex Iwobi is blocked
    44′
    John Stones is penalised for pushing Odion Ighal
    44′
    John Stones is penalised for pushing Odion Ighalo
    44′
    Nigeria take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in the opponent’s half of the field
    43′
    England take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in the opponent’s half of the field
    43′
    William Troost-Ekong relieves the pressure with a clearance
    43′
    Dele Alli puts in a cross…
    43′
    England is having a good opportunity to score.
    42′
    England is having a good opportunity to score.
    42′
    England is trying to create something here.
    41′
    England is in control of the ball.
    39′
    Raheem Sterling provided the assist for the goal.
    39′
    G O O O A A A L – Harry Kane with the goal!
    39′
    Safe hands from Francis Uzoho as he comes out and claims the ball
    39′
    Kieran Trippier puts in a cross…
    39′
    England is trying to create something here.
    38′
    Odion Ighalo from Nigeria is ruled offside
    38′
    Goal kick for Nigeria
    38′
    How did he miss that? Raheem Sterling has a wonderful chance to score but somehow manages to miss the target!
    37′
    Good effort by Odion Ighalo as he directs a shot on target, but the keeper saves it
    36′
    Alex Iwobi puts in a cross…
    35′
    Eric Dier is penalised for pushing Abdullahi Shehu
    35′
    Kieran Trippier puts in a cross…
    35′
    Francis Uzoho relieves the pressure with a clearance
    35′
    Ashley Young from England swings in the corner from the left.
    34′
    Jesse Lingard sees his shot deflected off target
    34′
    Dele Alli from England sees his pass blocked by an opponent.
    34′
    England is trying to create something here.
    33′
    The referee signals a free kick as Alex Iwobi from Nigeria trips Jesse Lingard
    33′
    Raheem Sterling from England directs a ball squarely in the box, but it’s intercepted by an opponent player.
    33′
    Could be a good chance here as Ashley Young from England cuts the opponents defense open with a through ball…
    32′
    England is in control of the ball.
    32′
    Nigeria take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in their own half of the field
    31′
    England is in control of the ball.
    31′
    England take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in the opponent’s half of the field
    30′
    Jesse Lingard from England directs a ball squarely in the box, but it’s intercepted by an opponent player.
    30′
    Could be a good chance here as Kieran Trippier from England cuts the opponents defense open with a through ball…
    30′
    Safe hands from Francis Uzoho as he comes out and claims the ball
    30′
    Ashley Young puts in a cross…
    29′
    John Obi Mikel relieves the pressure with a clearance
    29′
    Kieran Trippier from England swings in the corner from the right.
    29′
    Francis Uzoho saved a certain goal there! Jesse Lingard found himself in a great scoring position but Francis Uzoho denied him with a great save
    29′
    Kieran Trippier puts in a cross…
    28′
    Goal kick for England
    Joel Chukwuma Obi from Nigeria crosses the ball, but it goes out for a goal kick.
    28′
    A shot by Ogenyi Onazi is blocked
    28′
    John Stones relieves the pressure with a clearance
    27′
    Nigeria take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in the opponent’s half of the field
    27′
    A shot by Odion Ighalo is blocked
    27′
    Nigeria take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in the opponent’s half of the field
    27′
    Nigeria take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in the opponent’s half of the field
    26′
    Nigeria take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in the opponent’s half of the field
    26′
    England take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in the opponent’s half of the field
    26′
    England is trying to create something here.
    24′
    John Stones is penalised for pushing Odion Ighalo
    24′
    Nigeria take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in their own half of the field
    24′
    Leon Balogun relieves the pressure with a clearance
    24′
    Ashley Young puts in a cross…
    24′
    England take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in the opponent’s half of the field
    23′
    The referee signals a free kick as John Obi Mikel from Nigeria trips Raheem Sterling
    23′
    The game is restarted
    22′
    The game is stopped
    22′
    Odion Ighalo from Nigeria is ruled offside
    22′
    Safe hands from Francis Uzoho as he comes out and claims the ball
    22′
    Dele Alli puts in a cross…
    22′
    Leon Balogun relieves the pressure with a clearance
    21′
    Ashley Young crosses the ball into the box from the free kick
    21′
    The referee signals a free kick as Ogenyi Onazi from Nigeria trips Ashley Young
    20′
    England take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in the opponent’s half of the field
    20′
    Nigeria take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in their own half of the field
    19′
    Ashley Young has a great chance to score, but fails to score as his effort is blocked!
    19′
    Raheem Sterling of England passes the ball to a team mate.
    19′
    Harry Kane puts in a cross…
    18′
    Goal kick for Nigeria
    18′
    Leon Balogun relieves the pressure with a clearance
    18′
    Kieran Trippier puts in a cross…
    18′
    Raheem Sterling from England tries to play a 1-2 with Dele Alli, but the ball is intercepted.
    17′
    Joel Chukwuma Obi is penalised for pushing Jesse Lingard
    17′
    Safe hands from Jordan Pickford as he comes out and claims the ball
    17′
    Abdullahi Shehu puts in a cross…
    16′
    The referee signals a free kick as John Stones from England trips Brian Idowu
    15′
    Odion Ighalo from Nigeria is ruled offside
    15′
    John Obi Mikel puts in a cross…
    15′
    England take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in the opponent’s half of the field
    15′
    Nigeria take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in their own half of the field
    15′
    England take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in the opponent’s half of the field
    14′
    Nigeria is in control of the ball.
    14′
    Goal kick for Nigeria
    13′
    A lob by Raheem Sterling from England goes wide.
    13′
    CHANCE! Raheem Sterling finds himself in a 1 on 1 situation with the keeper…
    13′
    Could be a good chance here as Dele Alli from England cuts the opponents defense open with a through ball…
    13′
    England is trying to create something here.
    13′
    Victor Moses is penalised for pushing Kieran Trippier
    12′
    Good effort by John Stones as he directs a shot on target, but the keeper saves it
    12′
    John Stones releases a shot, it’s parried by Francis Uzoho but he can’t hold onto it…
    12′
    Ashley Young puts in a cross…
    12′
    Ashley Young from England takes a short corner kick from the left.
    12′
    Raheem Sterling sees his shot deflected off target
    12′
    Great skill from Raheem Sterling as he dribbles past his opponents
    12′
    Could be a good chance here as Dele Alli from England cuts the opponents defense open with a through ball…
    11′
    William Troost-Ekong relieves the pressure with a clearance
    11′
    Gary Cahill from England heads the ball to a team mate.
    11′
    Ashley Young from England swings in the corner from the left.
    11′
    England is having a good opportunity to score.
    10′
    England take a throw-in at the left side of the pitch in their own half of the field
    10′
    Nigeria take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in their own half of the field
    9′
    Nigeria is trying to create something here.
    9′
    Nigeria is in control of the ball.
    8′
    Leon Balogun comes back onto the field.
    7′
    Kieran Trippier provided the assist for the goal.
    7′
    G O O O A A A L – Gary Cahill England scores with a header.
    7′
    Kieran Trippier from England swings in the corner from the right.
    6′
    The resulting free-kick is taken by Kieran Trippier and his strike forces a good save from Francis Uzoho. It’s a corner
    6′
    It doesn’t look good here as Leon Balogun is injured and is taken off the field to receive medical treatment.
    Leon Balogun is down injured and receives medical treatment on the field.
    5′
    Joel Chukwuma Obi is down injured and receives medical treatment on the field.
    4′
    The referee signals a free kick as Ogenyi Onazi from Nigeria trips Dele Alli
    4′
    England take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in the opponent’s half of the field
    4′
    England is having a good opportunity to score.
    3′
    Ashley Young is penalised for pushing Abdullahi Shehu
    3′
    Dele Alli from England directs a ball squarely in the box, but it’s intercepted by an opponent player.
    2′
    Abdullahi Shehu from Nigeria goes a bit too far there as the pulls down Ashley Young
    2′
    William Troost-Ekong relieves the pressure with a clearance
    2′
    Dele Alli puts in a cross…
    1′
    England is having a good opportunity to score.
    1′
    England take a throw-in at the right side of the pitch in the opponent’s half of the field
    1′
    The pitch is in fantastic condition today and the players are enjoying the surface.
    1′
    A perfect day for football with glorious sunshine.
    1′
    England kick-off, and the game is underway.

    KICK-OFF

    England 0-0 Nigeria

    There is a minute’s applause before kick-off at Wembley in memory of England’s World Cup winner Ray Wilson and former midfielder Ray Wilkins, who both passed away recently.

  • England will fall, Ighalo declares

    As the Super Eagles square up against the Three Lions of England in a pre-World Cup friendly today, Changchun Yatai star, Odion Ighalo, says it is possible for Nigeria to cage the host.

    The Eagles were held to a 1-1 draw by visiting DR Congo on Monday, and Nigerians are looking up to tonight’s clash against England to further assess the readiness of the players for the World Cup.

    Prior to Ighalo’s move to the Chinese Super League, he played for Watford, scoring 17 goals in the English topflight, four more than his haul for Granada in the Spanish La Liga.

    ”I played in the Premier League with Watford. It’s going to be an exciting one. I am happy and I am looking forward to it,’’ Ighalo told the Nigeria Football Federation’s official Twitter page.

    Ighalo is optimistic that Nigeria can equally pull off a huge victory over England, having recently recorded wins over heavyweights Argentina and Poland in pre-World Cup friendlies.

    “England has a good team. All the players have in the squad for the World Cup are playing for top teams in the Premier League. ‘’It is going to be a difficult game, a tough one.

    Being a friendly game, we will try to do well and correct some mistakes.

    ”It is going to be a tough one, but it is also possible for us to win,’’ Ighalo stated. “The most important thing about the World Cup is not the money. But I must admit that the fact that the money is there and we know is there gives us extra energy, extra motivation in the preparations,” forward Kelechi Iheanacho told thenff.com.

    “England’s players know us and we know them. It will be a good match,” he added. Defensive stalwart Kenneth Omeruo, midfielders Ogenyi Onazi, Oghenekaro Etebo and Wilfred Ndidi and forward Odion Ighalo also admitted this much in separate interviews with thenff.com.

    Skipper Mikel John Obi told thenff.com: “We are in England, a terrain most of us know too well.

    I was here and won several trophies with Chelsea, including the Champions League. It will be an interesting encounter on Saturday.”

  • Anxiety as Rohr drops four Eagles Wednesday

    As the Super Eagles of Nigeria continue its World Cup build-up, Head Coach Gernot Rohr will announce the four players that will not fly out with the rest of the team to England on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Rohr shelved the decision until after Monday’s international friendly against Congo DR to enable him have a clearer picture of the players that would make the team.

    At the moment just 29 players are currently in camp with the exception of Victor Moses who has been asked by Rohr to wait for the team in London.

    As gathered the players will be informed after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Aso Rock Villa on Wednesday morning.

    Later in the evening, the Eagles will depart for London aboard a chartered flight.

    Meanwhile there are indications that Crotone of Italy striker Simeon Nwankwo will make the 23-man list after impressing Rohr with his performance in Monday’s friendly against Congo DR.

    “I was quite impressed with Simy. His performance shows that he is a natural forward. So let us see how it goes from here,” Rohr said.

    Nwankwo who scored seven goals for Crotone last season forced saw one his efforts hit the woodwork in the early minutes of the encounter.

    Some of the players that stand no chance of making it are Stephen Eze, Junior Lokosa, Uche Agbo while the battle for the third keeper is between Daniel Akpeyi and Dele Ajiboye.

  • Wembley friendly: Kane to lead lions against Eagles

     

    Tottenham talisman Harry Kane will lead the Three Lions of England against Super Eagles when both teams square up at the Wembley on June 2nd, just as Tiajin Teda midfielder John Obi Mikel will be leading the Nigeria side. 

    Both teams are World cup bound in Russia and the friendly tie is not only aimed at putting finishing touches to preparation but also aimed at putting the boys in a the best frame of mind for the World cup which kicks off on June 14.

    England coach Gareth Southgate confirmed Tuesday that the Spurs impressive striker who has so far netted 108 goals in 150 appearances for the Tottenham has remained in a super form going into the world cup with interesting run in the just ended English premier league season with 30 goals to his credit only second to Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah who reigning African footballer of the year and who netted 32 goals in the season.

    Former England international and sports broadcaster Gary Lineker was among the first to congratulate Kane on his appointment describing it as a deserved honour. Taking to his social media on Tuesday Lineker said

    “Congratulations to @HKane on being named @England captain for the World Cup. A much merited honour. Good luck”

    An elated Kane described his appointment as a huge responsibility which he intends to give his best and thanked his family and friends for their support.

    ‏”A very proud day, it means a lot to me to be named @England captain. Massive thanks to family, friends and fans who have supported me through thick and thin. #EnglandCaptain #ThreeLions.

    England will battle Tunisia,Panama and Belgium in the Group stage in Russia while June 2nd friendly opponents Nigeria will face Croatia, Iceland and Argentina.